Coal For Christmas

Opinion - Christmas Memories

December 24, 1989

IN MY boyhood, the stockings we hung were real - the kind we wore. And if we hadn't behaved, they would be filled with coal. In fact, it happened once to me.

We helped Dad buy the tree and decked it with paper chains we made in school. But after that, the sliding doors were closed and we didn't see it again until it reappeared in its full glory on Christmas morning. Those were wonderful years, and there were more to follow while my three daughters were growing up. I always read them Uncle Wiggley Christmas stories and there was always a special Daddy gift. There still is.

I have eight grandchildren now and Christmas still is a very special time for our family, particularly since it is also my granddaughter Lisa's birthday.